BMW S 1000 R: First Look Review

The litre-class sports naked packs a punch thanks to engine and running gear borrowed from the mean S 1000 R

The BMW S 1000 R is a naked sportsbike that borrows running gear and engine from the S 1000 RR but has been retuned for road-use. The S 1000 R is one of the fastest super-nakeds in the market and comes dripping with tech. Apart from the de rigeur electronics package, the S 1000 R gets cornering ABS and BMW's Pro Shift Assistant that allows you to perform clutchless upshifts and downshifts. The 2017 model gets a 5PS bump in power, 3kg drop in weight and other updates like a revised intake, titanium exhaust, revised fairing, vibration free handlebar, updated instrument console and a new, more rigid frame.

Styling

The S 1000 R is not the sharpest looking super naked out there. Or even the maddest. But it can hold its own when it comes to definitive styling. It isn't lithe or sharp with a lot of bulk and visual mass apparent in the headlamp setup, radiator shroud and exhaust unit. Where is stands out is its asymmetric headlamp design and an ability to exude visual aggression. As far as mean looking super nakeds go, this one is up there, sitting just below the KTM Super Duke R and Yamaha MT-10.

Electronics and features

The S 1000 R comes with Ride-By-Wire and two riding modes - Rain and Road. While both modes allow full power, Rain mode softens throttle response and modifies ABS and ASC (traction control) to adapt to a softer action. There are two more optional riding modes on offer - Dynamic and Dynamic Pro. Dynamic has a sportier setting with sharpened responses for everything. In Dynamic Pro, you can customise each setting according to your preference. Other options include cornering ABS, launch control, pit lane limiter and cruise control. There is a dynamic package on offer as well which adds the Dynamic Damping Control electronic suspension, engine spoiler, LED turn indicators and heated grips.

You can also get the optional forged wheels that will drop the bike's weight by 2.4 kgs and improve cornering.

Engine

The 999cc in-line four motor is borrowed from the S 1000 RR but has been heavily revised for road use. It gets revised intake ports, softer cam profiles and a retuned engine management system. The power is down from the S 1000 RR's 199PS to 165PS but it is made at a lower 11,000rpm. Torque is up by 1Nm with 114Nm peaking at 9250rpm. The real beauty of this motor is the abundance of torque available throughout the rev range and the smoothness in the way it is delivered. It is one of the fastest super nakeds out there and quick enough to induce tunnel vision.

Cycle parts

The suspension parts are borrowed from the S 1000 RR with the front featuring 46mm upside down forks and a rear monoshock. Both are manufactured by BMW and are fully adjustable for rebound, damping and compression. Then there is the optional electronic suspension package that should give the S 1000 R an edge over the competition. Braking is via a twin 320mm discs clamped by radially mounted four-piston Brembo calipers upfront and a single 220mm disc clamped by a single piston caliper at the rear. Race ABS is standard but you can also opt for the optional cornering ABS. The bike weighs 205 kilos (kerb) and fuel tank capacity is 17.5-litres.

Pricing and rivals

The S 1000 R is available in 3 trims - Standard, Sport and Pro. The Standard variant retails at Rs 16.9 lakh, the Sport is for Rs 17.9 lakh while the Pro version will cost you Rs 18.9 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi). The S 1000 R will compete against the Kawasaki Z 1000, Suzuki GSX-S 1000, Aprilia Tuono RF, MV Agusta Brutale 1090 and Triumph Speed Triple. The BMW S 1000 R offers good value for the power output and electronics.